Fyodor Ovchinnikov, the founder of Russia’s largest pizza chain Dodo Pizza, issued a public apology after the company faced severe backlash for terminating an employee over a compassionate act involving a stray dog. The incident occurred in Chelyabinsk, where a delivery driver, recognized only as Mikhail, was dismissed for wrapping a stray dog named 'Dodobonya' in a blanket to protect it from the freezing weather. This dog had been a familiar presence near the restaurant for over a year, and the dismissal happened despite the heightened awareness of the extreme cold impacting the region at that time.

The employee's termination triggered a wave of public outrage and prompted many to demand a boycott of Dodo Pizza, reflected in a significant increase in negative reviews on their app. As temperatures in Chelyabinsk plummeted far below zero, Mikhail's act was interpreted as a gesture of kindness, contrasting starkly with the company's policy that discourages such behavior towards stray animals. The newly appointed manager's previous warnings about the actions leading to Mikhail's dismissal highlighted a tension between corporate policies and social responsibility.

In light of the public outcry, the situation escalated, leading to the stray dog being transferred to a local animal shelter for its protection. The backlash not only brought to light community attitudes towards animal welfare but also called into question Dodo Pizza’s values and corporate governance. Ovchinnikov's apology signified an acknowledgment of the error in handling the situation, indicating a potential shift towards a more compassionate corporate culture that could take into consideration the well-being of both employees and animals in the future.